Get your kit on this summer

Kia has launched “Design My Kia”; an additional component to their website that enables customers to choose accessories for their Kia and preview what their selection will look like before buying.

With the internet as an ever growing sales tool, Kia Motors is using this as a base to enable existing and new customers to select and view the accessories they are looking to have fitted on their Kia.

“Design My Kia” sits within the company’s official website kia.co.uk. Shoppers select the model they are interested in and each section provides the opportunity to “Design it” how they like. The section also features a “shopping kart”, adding the accessory choices, fitting and paint (if required) to give a guide price through the process. Once they have done this they have the option to email it to a local dealer, asking them to fully quote for the accessorised Kia.

The system is already available for most new Kia models and will be joined by the Carens, cee’d and the 2005 Sorento and Sedona models by the end of May.

Although an internet based gizmo this is not exclusively for those with internet access; “Design My Kia” can be viewed at any Kia showroom, where the dealer can confirm the price for the accessorised Kia, either new or used, there and then.

The accessory options are broken into four sections: “Style and Protection” including alloy wheels, side trims, headlamp protectors, “Travel and Lifestyle” featuring bike racks, tow bars, DVD players, “Essentials” for carpet mats, first aid kits, roadside safety bags and “All Accessories” if you want to see everything available.

What started as a useful Aftersales tool, for dealers to promote accessories business, has now turned into an out-and-out sales tool. ‘The new system is very much focused around the customer,’ said Emma Horne, Kia Motors UK Aftersales Marketing Manager. ‘Around 90 per cent of customers, who buy a Kia, first started their research by looking on the internet. We have responded to this change in shopping habits, by making this tool available online, when previously shoppers would have to go into a showroom to view a limited range of accessories,’ she added.

“Design My Kia” is aimed at being a convenient instrument that saves the hassle of shopping around and enables you to visualise your ideal Kia package before you splash out; a one stop shop for all your car accessories giving you more time to spend on shopping for your summer ones.